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Dogs of the Deadlands: SHORTLISTED FOR THE WEEK JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS
‘This book! It broke my heart and then splinted it back together again. Full of hope and love and wildness... Imagine Watership Down meets The Animals of Farthing Wood but fiercer.’
Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear
Chernobyl, 1986. Without humans, how will dogs survive?
As humans fled the nuclear disaster, they were forced to leave their pets behind. Without people, nature began to return to the woods surrounding the power plant—lynx, bear, and wolves. But the overgrown forest is no place for dogs. Can Zoya, and her pups Misha and Luka, learn to survive in the deadlands? And will Zoya ever find her way home to her beloved owner?
Praise for Anthony
‘McGowan's prose is beautiful in its brevity and devastating in its emotional impact.’ Bookseller
‘The Carnegie medal winner McGowan is superb at stories about children who do not have all the advantages.’ The Sunday Times
Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear
Chernobyl, 1986. Without humans, how will dogs survive?
As humans fled the nuclear disaster, they were forced to leave their pets behind. Without people, nature began to return to the woods surrounding the power plant—lynx, bear, and wolves. But the overgrown forest is no place for dogs. Can Zoya, and her pups Misha and Luka, learn to survive in the deadlands? And will Zoya ever find her way home to her beloved owner?
Praise for Anthony
‘McGowan's prose is beautiful in its brevity and devastating in its emotional impact.’ Bookseller
‘The Carnegie medal winner McGowan is superb at stories about children who do not have all the advantages.’ The Sunday Times
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2023
18 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Anthony McGowan
88 books83 followersAnthony John McGowan is an English author of books for children, teenagers and adults. He is the winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal for Lark. In addition to his 2020 win, he has been twice longlisted (for The Knife That Killed Me in 2008 and Brock in 2014) and once shortlisted (for Rook in 2018) for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and is the winner of the 2006 Booktrust Teenage Prize for Henry Tumour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 14, 2022
DOGS OF THE DEADLANDS is a heart-tingling tale of the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, April 26, 1986. Unusually this story focuses on the points of view of the Animals of the region. Heartbreakingly, when the nearby city of Pripyat was evacuated on the night of the explosion, no pets were allowed to accompany. But as the story unfolds, there is joy and Pet love in the future, so that all is not lost, after all.
August 1, 2022
From the inside cover:
A tale of courage, companionship, and hope…
Chernobyl, 1986. The world is coming to an end. Dragged from her bed in the middle of the night, Natasha is forced to leave her beloved puppy behind and has no idea if she’ll ever return home.
Growing up in the shadow of the ruined nuclear power plant, pups Misha and Bratan need to learn how to live wild—and fast. Creatures with sharp teeth, claws and yellow eyes lurk in the overgrown woods. And they’re watching the brothers…
But will the dogs survive without the humans? And can the humans live without them?
A Uniquely Animal Adventure
It’s been a good while since I've been on an animal adventure like this one. Indeed, the comparisons to Watership Down are fair, though this certainly has its own flavor. Where some animal adventures toe the line of fantasy, with its characters speaking or having lore and anthropomorphized culture, this one feels urgent, wild, and real. The adventures and journeys of these dogs are as fierce, cold, and terrifying as the backdrop itself. There were multiple times I had to gasp aloud, reading later into the night to finish a no-holds-barred fight. In between are welcome moments of peace, rest, and thankfully, love.
This book’s strengths come in the tales of camaraderie and survival among the dogs and wolves, culminating regularly in small skirmishes and epic standoffs. The author spares no one harm, so the reader is kept in suspense to see whether their favorite dogs will make it through. Another strength is its setting; I read this in the summer in the US Midwest, but certainly you can feel the cold USSR (note: Chernobyl is in modern Ukraine) and its forests, including the area around Chernobyl, whose wildlife have had to adapt to more than just predators. There are also multiple coming-of-age stories within the main thread, done fairly well, especially as the dogs are concerned. Another strength is the sheer ambition of writing such a story, and the amount of research that likely went into both the area and the nature of dogs and wolves (and other wildlife). I feel like I know a lot more about my own dog after reading about Misha and the others!
Where this book struggles a little bit is in executing its grand ambitions and how the final product compares to what a reader might expect. For example, in a book whose plot depends on the Chernobyl disaster, I had hoped that that event would have entered the story more often. With the exception of the opening scene that causes the separation, the “deadlands” really only enter the story occasionally, with their quiet stillness and off-color vegetation occasionally unsettling the dogs or wolves, or the implied poisoning of certain prey animals—but they never really know why. It may have been better, and perhaps clearer, if a little more detail had been given to the spoiling of the land that this story takes place on, instead of just being an unseen and mostly un-acting backdrop to what we assume is a normal feral-dog-vs-wolves survival story. Perhaps it can inspire the younger readers to read more about Chernobyl once they’ve finished.
The second challenge this book faces is in its weaving of its characters’ stories. To be realistic, the author tells several different dog stories (since dogs don’t live as long as humans), and then weaves in one brief human story while putting the primary human mostly on hiatus. Natasha plays a much smaller role than I expected at the beginning, and by the time her adult story is really told, the main action and arcs of the dogs are mostly finished, so it feels like an afterthought, thrown in for denouement. While the end is ultimately satisfying, there are multiple ends throughout the book, which keeps you guessing exactly how the author wants this to wrap up. This is a strength for some, but could be considered disjointed or incomplete for others. The author mentions War and Peace as an inspiration, and having read that tome this year, I can say that that’s not for everyone: it’s a very difficult task to weave so many arcs together and still satisfy your (young?) readers. The dogs’ arcs are compelling, but the humans’ feel rushed, despite the difference in lifespan.
I am considering using this as a read-aloud for my middle-grade kids, and certainly it’s a great candidate for boys and girls who love adventure! Like Watership Down, young readers may be shocked to read the realistic descriptions of the fights and their aftermath, and so it could be triggering to younger readers (or listeners) who have pet dogs, in case they fear them escaping and suffering violence, or picture them doing violence. Our dog is a fairly jumpy and reactive dog, so I don’t want them worrying about her becoming feral and running off into the wild. I think the ends of the stories, especially as humans enter them, can help bring that connection back to a safe place.
Don’t get me wrong: these caveats only bring my rating “down” to four stars!
Ultimately, it’s quite an adventure story and unique when it comes to dog stories. I salute McGowan’s efforts to create an exciting, realistic, and heartfelt story that keeps the reader guessing and gasping! I would certainly recommend for 10 and up, with some content advisory involving (natural but graphic) violence among animals. It certainly earns its place among the more engrossing animal adventures.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review also appears at YAdudebooks.ca, a reviewing site for books geared toward younger male readers.
A tale of courage, companionship, and hope…
Chernobyl, 1986. The world is coming to an end. Dragged from her bed in the middle of the night, Natasha is forced to leave her beloved puppy behind and has no idea if she’ll ever return home.
Growing up in the shadow of the ruined nuclear power plant, pups Misha and Bratan need to learn how to live wild—and fast. Creatures with sharp teeth, claws and yellow eyes lurk in the overgrown woods. And they’re watching the brothers…
But will the dogs survive without the humans? And can the humans live without them?
A Uniquely Animal Adventure
It’s been a good while since I've been on an animal adventure like this one. Indeed, the comparisons to Watership Down are fair, though this certainly has its own flavor. Where some animal adventures toe the line of fantasy, with its characters speaking or having lore and anthropomorphized culture, this one feels urgent, wild, and real. The adventures and journeys of these dogs are as fierce, cold, and terrifying as the backdrop itself. There were multiple times I had to gasp aloud, reading later into the night to finish a no-holds-barred fight. In between are welcome moments of peace, rest, and thankfully, love.
This book’s strengths come in the tales of camaraderie and survival among the dogs and wolves, culminating regularly in small skirmishes and epic standoffs. The author spares no one harm, so the reader is kept in suspense to see whether their favorite dogs will make it through. Another strength is its setting; I read this in the summer in the US Midwest, but certainly you can feel the cold USSR (note: Chernobyl is in modern Ukraine) and its forests, including the area around Chernobyl, whose wildlife have had to adapt to more than just predators. There are also multiple coming-of-age stories within the main thread, done fairly well, especially as the dogs are concerned. Another strength is the sheer ambition of writing such a story, and the amount of research that likely went into both the area and the nature of dogs and wolves (and other wildlife). I feel like I know a lot more about my own dog after reading about Misha and the others!
Where this book struggles a little bit is in executing its grand ambitions and how the final product compares to what a reader might expect. For example, in a book whose plot depends on the Chernobyl disaster, I had hoped that that event would have entered the story more often. With the exception of the opening scene that causes the separation, the “deadlands” really only enter the story occasionally, with their quiet stillness and off-color vegetation occasionally unsettling the dogs or wolves, or the implied poisoning of certain prey animals—but they never really know why. It may have been better, and perhaps clearer, if a little more detail had been given to the spoiling of the land that this story takes place on, instead of just being an unseen and mostly un-acting backdrop to what we assume is a normal feral-dog-vs-wolves survival story. Perhaps it can inspire the younger readers to read more about Chernobyl once they’ve finished.
The second challenge this book faces is in its weaving of its characters’ stories. To be realistic, the author tells several different dog stories (since dogs don’t live as long as humans), and then weaves in one brief human story while putting the primary human mostly on hiatus. Natasha plays a much smaller role than I expected at the beginning, and by the time her adult story is really told, the main action and arcs of the dogs are mostly finished, so it feels like an afterthought, thrown in for denouement. While the end is ultimately satisfying, there are multiple ends throughout the book, which keeps you guessing exactly how the author wants this to wrap up. This is a strength for some, but could be considered disjointed or incomplete for others. The author mentions War and Peace as an inspiration, and having read that tome this year, I can say that that’s not for everyone: it’s a very difficult task to weave so many arcs together and still satisfy your (young?) readers. The dogs’ arcs are compelling, but the humans’ feel rushed, despite the difference in lifespan.
I am considering using this as a read-aloud for my middle-grade kids, and certainly it’s a great candidate for boys and girls who love adventure! Like Watership Down, young readers may be shocked to read the realistic descriptions of the fights and their aftermath, and so it could be triggering to younger readers (or listeners) who have pet dogs, in case they fear them escaping and suffering violence, or picture them doing violence. Our dog is a fairly jumpy and reactive dog, so I don’t want them worrying about her becoming feral and running off into the wild. I think the ends of the stories, especially as humans enter them, can help bring that connection back to a safe place.
Don’t get me wrong: these caveats only bring my rating “down” to four stars!
Ultimately, it’s quite an adventure story and unique when it comes to dog stories. I salute McGowan’s efforts to create an exciting, realistic, and heartfelt story that keeps the reader guessing and gasping! I would certainly recommend for 10 and up, with some content advisory involving (natural but graphic) violence among animals. It certainly earns its place among the more engrossing animal adventures.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review also appears at YAdudebooks.ca, a reviewing site for books geared toward younger male readers.
October 5, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! It has been a while since a book had me in tears at the end. DOGS OF THE DEADLANDS by Anthony McGowan just did that. This middle-grade book is a beautiful story of family, courage, and fate. Some parts were difficult to read because of the death content but that’s nature’s way and it is not avoidable. I love Misha’s story and I cheered for him to the end. Written mostly from the point of view of the animals, this illustrated book is a wonderful.
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December 22, 2022
Wow, what a beautiful and emotional book! "Dogs of the Deadlands" is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story that is set in the aftermath of Chernobyl, 1986. I absolutely loved the mix of historical fiction and animal adventure story. Definitely one of my favourite books of this year!
October 11, 2023
"I see your face, wherever I turn
There's blood on my lips, as my eyes start to burn
You vanished and left me behind" - ‘Dogs Of Chernobyl’ by Megadeth
Dogs of the Deadlands: THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK by Anthony McGowan asks about several topics and themes, such as companionship, nature vs nurture, and the power of hope. Aimed at a younger audience, it joins this rich seam of literature and surely deserves to become a timeless classic too.
Set in the immediate aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster and the years following, it’s a raw, unflinching and blisteringly well-written story of dogs Misha and Bratan and their life in the wild woods surrounding the power plant. One time later, growing up in the shadow of the ruined nuclear power plant, pups Misha and Bratan have to learn how to live in the wild and fast. But will the dogs survive without humans? And can a human live without them?
The inhuman and human perspectives on the tragic tale come full circle in a bittersweet way. The sense of place is excellent, the characterisation perfect, and the plot is an utterly compulsive cover-to-cover. It has many twists and turns; some chapters are nail-biting, some will make you smile, and some will give you tears. Keith Robinson's illustrations are beautiful, making you want to imitate the “awww factor” once you see those adorable dogs.
With a degree of anthropomorphism, any child will understand the harsh reality of what the world once was (from a nonpolitical standpoint, no less). This book is about survival, loss, love, and compassion.
April 9, 2025
Up there with WhiteFang, Watershipdown and Black Beauty
October 18, 2022
'Dogs of the deadlands'' by Anthony mcgowan is a sophisticated children's/YA book . Sophisticated because it weaves into the format of narrative some very fascinating evolutionary trajectories , especially of wolves and dogs. Separated from her puppy Zoya on her birthday due to the chernobyl nuclear disaster , Natasha , who later assumes the name of Nataliya, carries the imprint of this severing. But Zoya, having by chance mated with a wolf, gives birth to two wolf dogs, Misha and Bratan . And it is their adventures that constitute the novel.
The first third of the novel, tracing Zoya's rearing of Misha and Bratan are the most powerful. The novel wears its research lightly but the evolutionary account of Misha and Bratan in radioactive Chernobyl, in the wilderness where survival necessitates eating anything, are persuasive. What distinguishes ''Dogs of the deadlands'' from watership down or ''the call of the wild' is that it treats nature's workings and animal behavior with an unfussy naturalness. Because it is a narrative that operates on two levels- the first is that of a consolatory story where, despite travails and hardship, a tidying up of loose ends is in the foreground. But at a subterrenean level the descriptions of the behaviour of wolves and dogs, the fight sequences , the hunt scenarios, especially the confrontation with lynxes and wolves , counterbalances self preservation and brutality. If at one level Misha and Bratan are endowed with instincts of consaguinity and pack solidarity then at another both possess a kind of survival instinct that treads the line between malleability and a closeness with the realities of death and survival that engenders its own instinctual resilience. The tension between an ineffaceable representation of misha's species driven specificity and a consolatory, affirmative yarn about the value of love is, to my mind, an enriching than a detracting component- it allows both the otherness of the dog wolf evolutionary uniqueness as well as the primordial yearnings of closeness, loyalty and love to complement each other . The affirmation by the novel's end in no way undermines the canny niftiness of a detached unanthropomorphic impetus that threads the story. In many ways it deepens it. Be it Natasha, or katerina the old woman who nourishes both zoya and misha or vadzim the human story interspersed in the story establishes both continuum and aftermath of chernobyl , its impact on the climate and the efforts at reconstruction .
''Dogs of the deadlands'' carves its own unique journey . Zoya and misha and bratan, in their relentless quest to survive are not immune from the actualities of danger and death or decay. Nor are these incontrovertible truths of existence sidestepped. But the ferocity of primeval instincts of fight/flight, the collective unconscious memory of both the dog/wolf heredity ,the incremental adaptation to contingencies without repudiating the fundamentals of survival, food, warmth , shelter and propagation constitutes the subtleties of the story. It is very much a novel to be read by children but equally by adults. In fact the beginning sections of Misha and Bratan's learning to hunt, frolic , develop reminds me of Andrei bely's ''kotek letaev'' where a child's conscious apprehending of the world in its singularity of consciousness was tunnelled into. But where Bely relies on psychoanalysis, symbolism and metaphor to convey a child's inhabitation of the object world Anthony mc gowan uses prose that is uncluttered and direct, poetic but anchored to veracious descriptiveness than allegorical overlaying. Partly because it is achildren's book where bely's was adult literary fiction. But it does challenge the idea that children's fiction is simplistic. ''Dogs in the deadlands'' evokes a warm, fuzzy feeling of affirmation but what it does disconcertingly retain is its astute comprehension of the necessities of what separates humans from animals as much as what unites them, of the actualities of nature and what it exacts, of what in the nature of things is unalterable and what is transformative. There's a cool, ferocious intelligence underpinning this highly readable book - as with the best of le guin it is much more than the sum of its parts and its adroit functioning within genre to more layered associations is what makes it fascinating.
The first third of the novel, tracing Zoya's rearing of Misha and Bratan are the most powerful. The novel wears its research lightly but the evolutionary account of Misha and Bratan in radioactive Chernobyl, in the wilderness where survival necessitates eating anything, are persuasive. What distinguishes ''Dogs of the deadlands'' from watership down or ''the call of the wild' is that it treats nature's workings and animal behavior with an unfussy naturalness. Because it is a narrative that operates on two levels- the first is that of a consolatory story where, despite travails and hardship, a tidying up of loose ends is in the foreground. But at a subterrenean level the descriptions of the behaviour of wolves and dogs, the fight sequences , the hunt scenarios, especially the confrontation with lynxes and wolves , counterbalances self preservation and brutality. If at one level Misha and Bratan are endowed with instincts of consaguinity and pack solidarity then at another both possess a kind of survival instinct that treads the line between malleability and a closeness with the realities of death and survival that engenders its own instinctual resilience. The tension between an ineffaceable representation of misha's species driven specificity and a consolatory, affirmative yarn about the value of love is, to my mind, an enriching than a detracting component- it allows both the otherness of the dog wolf evolutionary uniqueness as well as the primordial yearnings of closeness, loyalty and love to complement each other . The affirmation by the novel's end in no way undermines the canny niftiness of a detached unanthropomorphic impetus that threads the story. In many ways it deepens it. Be it Natasha, or katerina the old woman who nourishes both zoya and misha or vadzim the human story interspersed in the story establishes both continuum and aftermath of chernobyl , its impact on the climate and the efforts at reconstruction .
''Dogs of the deadlands'' carves its own unique journey . Zoya and misha and bratan, in their relentless quest to survive are not immune from the actualities of danger and death or decay. Nor are these incontrovertible truths of existence sidestepped. But the ferocity of primeval instincts of fight/flight, the collective unconscious memory of both the dog/wolf heredity ,the incremental adaptation to contingencies without repudiating the fundamentals of survival, food, warmth , shelter and propagation constitutes the subtleties of the story. It is very much a novel to be read by children but equally by adults. In fact the beginning sections of Misha and Bratan's learning to hunt, frolic , develop reminds me of Andrei bely's ''kotek letaev'' where a child's conscious apprehending of the world in its singularity of consciousness was tunnelled into. But where Bely relies on psychoanalysis, symbolism and metaphor to convey a child's inhabitation of the object world Anthony mc gowan uses prose that is uncluttered and direct, poetic but anchored to veracious descriptiveness than allegorical overlaying. Partly because it is achildren's book where bely's was adult literary fiction. But it does challenge the idea that children's fiction is simplistic. ''Dogs in the deadlands'' evokes a warm, fuzzy feeling of affirmation but what it does disconcertingly retain is its astute comprehension of the necessities of what separates humans from animals as much as what unites them, of the actualities of nature and what it exacts, of what in the nature of things is unalterable and what is transformative. There's a cool, ferocious intelligence underpinning this highly readable book - as with the best of le guin it is much more than the sum of its parts and its adroit functioning within genre to more layered associations is what makes it fascinating.
November 1, 2022
From White Fang to Watership Down, Black Beauty to Tarka the Otter, The Animals of Farthing Wood to Charlotte's Web; books with animals as the main characters have long enthralled, excited and broken the hearts of their readers. Dogs of the Deadlands joins this rich seam of literature and surely deserves to become a timeless classic too.
Although the Chernobyl disaster is the reason why Natasha becomes separated from her beloved new puppy, Zoya – her one blue and one brown eye indicating this Samoyed also has a little touch of the wild in her – this isn't a book about the accident. However, it is the catalyst for all that follows, providing an intriguing background to a storyline where dogs who were once pets were forced to try to survive alongside their wild counterparts in an inhospitable, lethal world where humans have all but disappeared. The initial parting is heartrending, perhaps even more for the reader than for Natasha as we know it isn't just going to be for a few days. Dogs of the Deadlands would make a wonderful class read but it's only fair to warn school staff that there are some highly emotional scenes throughout the book so you may want to have a box of tissues to hand!
Although parts of the novel follow Natasha as she grows up and examines how the loss of her pup changes her as she gradually loses hope, the bulk of the action takes place away from humans. We're given brief insights into how Zoya survived those early days but this is really Misha's story, beginning when he and his malformed brother, Bratan are the only survivors of their litter. Anthony McGowan never patronises his young readers with long explanations or heavy information, with this being a subtle but powerful indication of the birth defects and neonatal deaths caused by radiation poisoning. As the pups grow they experience important life lessons and the dramatic scenes of peril are complemented by the day-to-day pressures of finding enough food to survive. There is humour to be found here too, with their first savoury soup meal sure to amuse and disgust in equal measure!
While some animal stories anthropomorphise their characters, Anthony McGowan takes care not to make his too human-like. There is no dialogue in these parts of the book; the animals communicate through eye-contact, licks and nips. Misha and Bratan learn from their mother but as they become adults their natural instincts come to the fore too and it's their heritage which leads to the most frightening, exciting scenes.
There are some brutal, heartbreaking moments in Dogs of the Deadlands; this is nature red in tooth and claw and not all the animals survive. It is a book for children and those who enjoy gripping, atmospheric adventures will love it but it's worth pointing out that the superbly crafted plot doesn't hold back from exploring just how transient life in the wild can be. However, there are moments of joy, courage and hope too and anybody who has ever loved a pet will weep with recognition as the bond between animal and human is described beautifully.
Dogs of the Deadlands is an absolute gem of a book; children over ten will love it but so too will adults, whether they share it with younger readers or read alone. The sense of place is wonderful, the characterisation perfect and the plot is utterly compulsive from start to finish – expect this to be read under the covers after lights out! Keith Robinson's gorgeous front cover and striking illustrations that capture all the emotion and excitement deserves high praise too. This is a raw, poignant and evocative novel and I can't wait to recommend it to the children I work with. Just stunning!
Although the Chernobyl disaster is the reason why Natasha becomes separated from her beloved new puppy, Zoya – her one blue and one brown eye indicating this Samoyed also has a little touch of the wild in her – this isn't a book about the accident. However, it is the catalyst for all that follows, providing an intriguing background to a storyline where dogs who were once pets were forced to try to survive alongside their wild counterparts in an inhospitable, lethal world where humans have all but disappeared. The initial parting is heartrending, perhaps even more for the reader than for Natasha as we know it isn't just going to be for a few days. Dogs of the Deadlands would make a wonderful class read but it's only fair to warn school staff that there are some highly emotional scenes throughout the book so you may want to have a box of tissues to hand!
Although parts of the novel follow Natasha as she grows up and examines how the loss of her pup changes her as she gradually loses hope, the bulk of the action takes place away from humans. We're given brief insights into how Zoya survived those early days but this is really Misha's story, beginning when he and his malformed brother, Bratan are the only survivors of their litter. Anthony McGowan never patronises his young readers with long explanations or heavy information, with this being a subtle but powerful indication of the birth defects and neonatal deaths caused by radiation poisoning. As the pups grow they experience important life lessons and the dramatic scenes of peril are complemented by the day-to-day pressures of finding enough food to survive. There is humour to be found here too, with their first savoury soup meal sure to amuse and disgust in equal measure!
While some animal stories anthropomorphise their characters, Anthony McGowan takes care not to make his too human-like. There is no dialogue in these parts of the book; the animals communicate through eye-contact, licks and nips. Misha and Bratan learn from their mother but as they become adults their natural instincts come to the fore too and it's their heritage which leads to the most frightening, exciting scenes.
There are some brutal, heartbreaking moments in Dogs of the Deadlands; this is nature red in tooth and claw and not all the animals survive. It is a book for children and those who enjoy gripping, atmospheric adventures will love it but it's worth pointing out that the superbly crafted plot doesn't hold back from exploring just how transient life in the wild can be. However, there are moments of joy, courage and hope too and anybody who has ever loved a pet will weep with recognition as the bond between animal and human is described beautifully.
Dogs of the Deadlands is an absolute gem of a book; children over ten will love it but so too will adults, whether they share it with younger readers or read alone. The sense of place is wonderful, the characterisation perfect and the plot is utterly compulsive from start to finish – expect this to be read under the covers after lights out! Keith Robinson's gorgeous front cover and striking illustrations that capture all the emotion and excitement deserves high praise too. This is a raw, poignant and evocative novel and I can't wait to recommend it to the children I work with. Just stunning!
November 13, 2022
This is just beautiful. Wow.
If I had of read it as a child, it would have been up there with The Silver Brumby and Black Beauty -- which is high praise, indeed. It's just beautifully written, heart breakingly unflinching and somehow still manages to be uplifting and happy at the same time! I'm honestly a little in awe.
Anthony McGowan has managed to capture a really pure type of animal communication here; the whole thing just works so well with the description and the simple inference of what's meant. The highs and lows have you celebrating and mourning in turn and it feels perfectly wrapped up. As much as I'd like to read more about Misha's later years the book just works with what's contained within it. Suspension of disbelief does come into play a little but honestly, I'm all there for it. It's a little like junior magical realism? It's perfect for me as I like to see hope overcome all the odds.
I'm basking in this at the moment. Thoroughly enjoyable and simultaneously devastating and elating. I've borrowed this from the library but I've enjoyed it so much it will definitely be one of my Christmas presents this year I think! I want to read it all over again!
If I had of read it as a child, it would have been up there with The Silver Brumby and Black Beauty -- which is high praise, indeed. It's just beautifully written, heart breakingly unflinching and somehow still manages to be uplifting and happy at the same time! I'm honestly a little in awe.
Anthony McGowan has managed to capture a really pure type of animal communication here; the whole thing just works so well with the description and the simple inference of what's meant. The highs and lows have you celebrating and mourning in turn and it feels perfectly wrapped up. As much as I'd like to read more about Misha's later years the book just works with what's contained within it. Suspension of disbelief does come into play a little but honestly, I'm all there for it. It's a little like junior magical realism? It's perfect for me as I like to see hope overcome all the odds.
I'm basking in this at the moment. Thoroughly enjoyable and simultaneously devastating and elating. I've borrowed this from the library but I've enjoyed it so much it will definitely be one of my Christmas presents this year I think! I want to read it all over again!
October 15, 2022
Heartbreaking and uplifting
February 27, 2023
Jack London and Watership Down for a new generation.
This is NOT a fluffy dog story full of cuteness. This is brutal, dark and dog-eat-dog... so to speak.
Such a sad story, based on the true events of Chernobyl, and the pets left behind when humans evacuated the area, leaving their dogs to either starve or survive in the savage wilds, alongside the wolves, bears and other occupants.
Zoya is one such puppy, a Samoyed left behind by a traumatised little girl, taken away to the city and promised a swift return which never comes. It also shows us Misha, born in the wild to a dog and raised among savagery and Darwinian 'survival of the fittest' principles.
McGowan never lets up in the trauma either. Once one foe is dealt with, another soon comes upon our dogs. Your heart isn't allowed to relax, and the scenes of animal violence can be quite graphic at times.
I sped through this though, caught up in visually arresting scenes of destroyed forests, starving and brutalised animals but also comradeship and loyalty, love and trust.
I'm hoping McGowan has a comic or light-hearted book lined up for us next, I'm sure he needs it as much as we do!
A powerful glimpse at the untold stories of those often forgotten, will raise questions in young readers about Chernobyl and energy safety.
For ages 9 or 10 and above.
This is NOT a fluffy dog story full of cuteness. This is brutal, dark and dog-eat-dog... so to speak.
Such a sad story, based on the true events of Chernobyl, and the pets left behind when humans evacuated the area, leaving their dogs to either starve or survive in the savage wilds, alongside the wolves, bears and other occupants.
Zoya is one such puppy, a Samoyed left behind by a traumatised little girl, taken away to the city and promised a swift return which never comes. It also shows us Misha, born in the wild to a dog and raised among savagery and Darwinian 'survival of the fittest' principles.
McGowan never lets up in the trauma either. Once one foe is dealt with, another soon comes upon our dogs. Your heart isn't allowed to relax, and the scenes of animal violence can be quite graphic at times.
I sped through this though, caught up in visually arresting scenes of destroyed forests, starving and brutalised animals but also comradeship and loyalty, love and trust.
I'm hoping McGowan has a comic or light-hearted book lined up for us next, I'm sure he needs it as much as we do!
A powerful glimpse at the untold stories of those often forgotten, will raise questions in young readers about Chernobyl and energy safety.
For ages 9 or 10 and above.
September 2, 2022
Review coming, post will go on Bookstagram first
Final rating 4.5 stars but rounded up to the full 5 for Goodreads as they still don’t do half stars
Final rating 4.5 stars but rounded up to the full 5 for Goodreads as they still don’t do half stars
October 17, 2022
This book started off in a way that reminded me of Jack London, then continued to pursue two beautiful storylines, woven into each other, telling a tale about a girl that had to leave her precious pet behind after the reactor disaster near Chernobyl, and the pups of that bubbly little dog that had to fight for her life in the forest.
The ending broke my heart. Literally. Having "only" 300 pages I felt a connection to the characters I haven't felt in a long time. It really hurt letting them all go and I was tearing up quite a bit while reaching the last part of the book.
This is definitely a read that is going to feel like home the second I decide to pick it up for another time
The ending broke my heart. Literally. Having "only" 300 pages I felt a connection to the characters I haven't felt in a long time. It really hurt letting them all go and I was tearing up quite a bit while reaching the last part of the book.
This is definitely a read that is going to feel like home the second I decide to pick it up for another time
August 25, 2022
I usually cry buckets when I read a book about animals and this one was no exception.
It's a realistic story of dogs and wolfs and what happened to them in the aftermath of Chernobil.
It's not a book I would recommend to young child but it's a good book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a realistic story of dogs and wolfs and what happened to them in the aftermath of Chernobil.
It's not a book I would recommend to young child but it's a good book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 7, 2022
This is a lovely story about dogs, and wolves, the friendship between them and their (namely, dogs) humans. The language is beautifully written and easy to read (I finished it in no time!). Did I mention that I absolutely adore the illustrations? Bang on black and white images, so suited for this book.
Now, what could have been a five star book for me, certain things knocked some of those stars off. While there are things I'm willing to look by (such as someone with Physicist training themselves, going to teach at school chemistry), politics - not so much. This, being a book aimed at children (or so I am led to believe), political nuances seem very much unnecessary, particularly those with hints of nostalgia for "Soviet times". I realise that the book's story starts in 1986 when Ukraine was still occupied and part of the Soviet regime.. however, there were bits I didn't really like, such as even considering naming a dog Stalin (unless that comes from author's personal experience, knowing such a case... even then). I mean, woah. I know, the person in the story didn't name the dog as such, but to even consider? Because it's a part wolf? Oh, yeah, the big bad wolf narrative... so stereotypical.
"He would grumble about the decline and fall of the old Soviet Union. "Once the people were in charge. Now only oligarchs. Billionaires. Thieves," he would mutter." - This example. so much wrong in these two sentences. While I don't want to go down the road explaining the history in this review... and while some people in occupied countries might have thought (or still think), this is absolutely disgusting message to send to the kids. If the story is meant and aimed for adults, or young adults and the author feels the need to include politics (which is not bad thing per se), some knowledge of the era, country and its history would be beneficial.
So that's my two pence. Politics aside, this book would have received full five star review from me, as it's beautifully illustrated, equally beautifully written... but when politics get involved.. especially for the kids book. Uhm, no.
Now, what could have been a five star book for me, certain things knocked some of those stars off. While there are things I'm willing to look by (such as someone with Physicist training themselves, going to teach at school chemistry), politics - not so much. This, being a book aimed at children (or so I am led to believe), political nuances seem very much unnecessary, particularly those with hints of nostalgia for "Soviet times". I realise that the book's story starts in 1986 when Ukraine was still occupied and part of the Soviet regime.. however, there were bits I didn't really like, such as even considering naming a dog Stalin (unless that comes from author's personal experience, knowing such a case... even then). I mean, woah. I know, the person in the story didn't name the dog as such, but to even consider? Because it's a part wolf? Oh, yeah, the big bad wolf narrative... so stereotypical.
"He would grumble about the decline and fall of the old Soviet Union. "Once the people were in charge. Now only oligarchs. Billionaires. Thieves," he would mutter." - This example. so much wrong in these two sentences. While I don't want to go down the road explaining the history in this review... and while some people in occupied countries might have thought (or still think), this is absolutely disgusting message to send to the kids. If the story is meant and aimed for adults, or young adults and the author feels the need to include politics (which is not bad thing per se), some knowledge of the era, country and its history would be beneficial.
So that's my two pence. Politics aside, this book would have received full five star review from me, as it's beautifully illustrated, equally beautifully written... but when politics get involved.. especially for the kids book. Uhm, no.
January 21, 2024
This book hooked me from the start and kept me gripped throughout: I found it hard to put down.
It is set during and after the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 which provides a really interesting historical context. The book is beautifully written and whilst some parts are harrowing the overall feeling is of friendship, solidarity and hope. It was emotional at times but I loved it and the story will stay with me for a long time to come.
“He looked at Mother. He had never seen her so agitated. Whatever had made these marks was deadly. She looked around, paused, listened, sniff ed the air. And then she led them away. Although it was evening and time to go back to the den, she went by a roundabout route. Twice they crossed and recrossed the stream. Whatever it had been, she did not want it to track the family back to their home.”
It is the 26th April 1986 in the city of Pripyat, Northern Ukraine. Natasha Taranova is celebrating her seventh birthday. A birthday where all her wishes have come true: the gift of her very own puppy – Zoya. As Natasha celebrates, little does she, nor any of the other residents of Pripyat know, that their lives will soon be changed forever, as that very night they will be forced to abandon their homes, belongings, and pets – including Natasha’s beloved Zoya - as they flee from the harmful effects of the explosion of Reactor Number 4 at Chernobyl nuclear plant.
In a world now abandoned by humans, pets must learn how to survive alone. Misha and Bratan are pups living with their mother in the dark woodlands beyond the abandoned city. Will they be able to outwit the yellow-eyed predators that lurk in the shadows watching their every move? Join Misha and Bratan on a spellbinding and unforgettable journey of loss and survival, but above all a story that teaches us that where there is hope, all is not lost after all.
Dogs of the Deadlands is the perfect mix of historical fiction and adventure with stunning illustrations by Keith Robinson. This remarkable story will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
It is set during and after the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 which provides a really interesting historical context. The book is beautifully written and whilst some parts are harrowing the overall feeling is of friendship, solidarity and hope. It was emotional at times but I loved it and the story will stay with me for a long time to come.
“He looked at Mother. He had never seen her so agitated. Whatever had made these marks was deadly. She looked around, paused, listened, sniff ed the air. And then she led them away. Although it was evening and time to go back to the den, she went by a roundabout route. Twice they crossed and recrossed the stream. Whatever it had been, she did not want it to track the family back to their home.”
It is the 26th April 1986 in the city of Pripyat, Northern Ukraine. Natasha Taranova is celebrating her seventh birthday. A birthday where all her wishes have come true: the gift of her very own puppy – Zoya. As Natasha celebrates, little does she, nor any of the other residents of Pripyat know, that their lives will soon be changed forever, as that very night they will be forced to abandon their homes, belongings, and pets – including Natasha’s beloved Zoya - as they flee from the harmful effects of the explosion of Reactor Number 4 at Chernobyl nuclear plant.
In a world now abandoned by humans, pets must learn how to survive alone. Misha and Bratan are pups living with their mother in the dark woodlands beyond the abandoned city. Will they be able to outwit the yellow-eyed predators that lurk in the shadows watching their every move? Join Misha and Bratan on a spellbinding and unforgettable journey of loss and survival, but above all a story that teaches us that where there is hope, all is not lost after all.
Dogs of the Deadlands is the perfect mix of historical fiction and adventure with stunning illustrations by Keith Robinson. This remarkable story will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
September 7, 2022
I’m a sucker for an animal story, and when I saw this one was compared to one of my favourites, Watership Down, I knew I had to read it.
And it certainly didn’t disappoint.The book is pretty epic in its timespan and follows two stories; that of human girl Natasha, who is forced to flee the devastation of Chernobyl and that of her pup, Zoya, and the other dogs that are left behind.
Natasha never really gets over the pain of abandoning Zoya and we see how this affects the life she leads and the person she becomes. For the dogs, this is a tale of treading the balance between their domestic instincts and the wildness needed to survive in a tough and hostile environment.
This was a real emotional read and I admit to shedding a tear or two in a few places. The relationships between both humans and dogs, and dogs and other animals is beautifully written. I particularly loved the bond between brothers Misha and Bratan.
As with any great animal story, there is a degree of anthropomorphism, as it’s hard not to see the dogs’ personalities through human characteristics but the wild behaviour of the animals is not sugar-coated though and comes across as very realistically animal in nature.
This is recommended for 10+ and I would definitely agree with this, as it doesn’t shy away from the hardships and reality of the dogs survival. Many poor creatures meet their ends in the name of dinner! The fight for supremacy in the wilds is often portrayed as realistically brutal too.
A quick word about the gorgeous illustrations by Keith Robinson too. These really make the book extra special. They capture the essence of the dogs and their adventures beautifully.
Overall, this is a moving tale of adventure, survival and love in the face of adversity.
And it certainly didn’t disappoint.The book is pretty epic in its timespan and follows two stories; that of human girl Natasha, who is forced to flee the devastation of Chernobyl and that of her pup, Zoya, and the other dogs that are left behind.
Natasha never really gets over the pain of abandoning Zoya and we see how this affects the life she leads and the person she becomes. For the dogs, this is a tale of treading the balance between their domestic instincts and the wildness needed to survive in a tough and hostile environment.
This was a real emotional read and I admit to shedding a tear or two in a few places. The relationships between both humans and dogs, and dogs and other animals is beautifully written. I particularly loved the bond between brothers Misha and Bratan.
As with any great animal story, there is a degree of anthropomorphism, as it’s hard not to see the dogs’ personalities through human characteristics but the wild behaviour of the animals is not sugar-coated though and comes across as very realistically animal in nature.
This is recommended for 10+ and I would definitely agree with this, as it doesn’t shy away from the hardships and reality of the dogs survival. Many poor creatures meet their ends in the name of dinner! The fight for supremacy in the wilds is often portrayed as realistically brutal too.
A quick word about the gorgeous illustrations by Keith Robinson too. These really make the book extra special. They capture the essence of the dogs and their adventures beautifully.
Overall, this is a moving tale of adventure, survival and love in the face of adversity.
March 31, 2025
What can I say about Anthony McGowan's Dogs Of The Dead lands other than how amazing I thought it was? The language was so beautiful, the plot had so many twists and turns and connections throughout the story I would have never expected. This book follows the story of a half wolf dog called Misha, the battles he fights, The losses he suffers and the heartfelt moments of joy right up until the end of his life. The whole book was based on the tragic Chernobyl disaster in the Ukrainian city of Pripyat and all the dogs left behind in the evacuation. One of my favourite quotes was "The mournful music set up a thrumming vibration in the little house, shaking the windows and the loose thatch, before it fled out into the night air, finally stretching its ghostly fingers out to caress the moon." So you can see why this emotional rollercoaster filled my eyes with tears and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
This is a highly engaging and thoughtful YA novel, telling the stories of a puppy and its owner, who lived close to Chernobyl at the time of its explosion and subsequent evacuation. I’m not a fan of animal focused fiction usually, but am glad that I read this. The novel takes us into the world of the animals in the forests around the exclusion zone and the consequences for the dogs as they learn to adapt to the wild and build new packs in a fascinating and ultimately moving way. A great read! Frank portrayal of the violence within the wild animal world, without gratuitous details: suitable for age 11+?
October 26, 2024
This is a wonderful book which tells of the dogs left in the wild after the Chernobyl disaster.
December 19, 2024
Tears, so many tears. What a fantastic book. It tore my heart out, made me gasp with excitement, and had me crying at work. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2025
My favorite book I've read in a while
January 26, 2023
I read this under instruction from my ten-year-old daughter who devoured it in huge chunks and took it in to recommend to her school book club – this is a real endorsement as at the moment she is ensconced within the world of ‘Warrior Cats’ and generally not interested in reading anything else! It was definitely no hardship to have to read it, and I think I loved it as much as her. The book is set in the area surrounding Pripyat in the years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster (the context of which led to some very interesting discussions with my daughter when I told it was true). When Natasha’s family are evacuated, she is forced to leave behind her new puppy Zoya, thinking she will be able to return soon. But she does not, and Zoya, who is half-wolf, must learn to survive in a new world where homes are deserted, dogs are feral, and parts of the forest have turned red and thrum with danger. The book is mainly about Zoya and her children Misha and Bratan and their meandering adventures, but I liked the fact that it also followed what happened to Natasha and her family. It is exciting and full of battles and scars as Misha tries to survive against the wolf pack that stalks the area, but it is also very tender. It drew a few tears from me at times, and I found the ending all that was beautiful and satisfying. I love the way that McGowan is able to combine adventure with emotion, never sacrificing one for the other. Highly recommended.
September 3, 2022
Dogs of the Deadlands by Anthony McGowan is one of those books that is both savage and beautiful and I have no doubt will stay with me for a long time. The story begins on Natasha’s birthday where she gets the most amazing present of all: a little Samoyed puppy that she names Zoya. But disaster soon tears Natasha away from her puppy as the Chernobyl nuclear power plant’s reactor number 4 explodes and Natasha and her family must evacuate and leave everything behind, including Zoya.
The story then follows Zoya, who finds life in the woods, starts a family, and then we see her son and his journey. It is a book about struggle, some of it very harsh as Misha tries to survive. It’s also about coming home and making a life even in the midst of hard times. We also see Natasha grow up and become a focused and sullen scientist, but one with deep wounds. Those wounds can only heal if she can take a step outside of herself and build the relationships she desperately needs.
Dogs of the Deadlands will not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to go on this journey, it will be well worth the reading.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. My opinions are my own.
The story then follows Zoya, who finds life in the woods, starts a family, and then we see her son and his journey. It is a book about struggle, some of it very harsh as Misha tries to survive. It’s also about coming home and making a life even in the midst of hard times. We also see Natasha grow up and become a focused and sullen scientist, but one with deep wounds. Those wounds can only heal if she can take a step outside of herself and build the relationships she desperately needs.
Dogs of the Deadlands will not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to go on this journey, it will be well worth the reading.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. My opinions are my own.
October 14, 2022
4.5 stars. Incredible story, if you are an animal/nature lover.
I'm not sure if I could believe though that loss of a puppy would have such drastic consequences and result in a person being so reclusive with no relationships whatsoever well into the adulthood. Don't get me wrong, I know how sensitive children are, but it seemed too much.
Also, I grew up in communist regime and as far as I know nametags for dogs were not a thing. It was a luxury communist regime could not afford. I remember what a novelty and wonder they were when they started to appear. There are many things people from west take for granted, that they just simply are and were, and this is one of the examples. I'm not saying there were none for sure back in the 80. Ukraine, but it did take me out of the story at first.
But overall, the depiction of animal's point of view and their rough life in post-nuclear Chernobyl were excellent.
I'm not sure if I could believe though that loss of a puppy would have such drastic consequences and result in a person being so reclusive with no relationships whatsoever well into the adulthood. Don't get me wrong, I know how sensitive children are, but it seemed too much.
Also, I grew up in communist regime and as far as I know nametags for dogs were not a thing. It was a luxury communist regime could not afford. I remember what a novelty and wonder they were when they started to appear. There are many things people from west take for granted, that they just simply are and were, and this is one of the examples. I'm not saying there were none for sure back in the 80. Ukraine, but it did take me out of the story at first.
But overall, the depiction of animal's point of view and their rough life in post-nuclear Chernobyl were excellent.
November 4, 2022
I read this wonderful, beautifully written story to/with my 12 year old son, covering one chapter a night as a bedtime story (who says older kids are too old for bedtime stories?!) He loved it and I loved it just as much, maybe for different reasons - I loved the beautiful prose and the poignancy, and my son loved the adventures and fight/flight/survival scenes. It was incredibly powerful, often brutal, and I cried during more than one scene. Luckily, my dog (pictured) came to the rescue with some doggy devotion and sat on my lap during one of the more heartbreaking scenes! It’s one of those books, like those of Philip Pullman, that respects children’s intelligence and their ability to understand emotional and ethical complexity. This is a modern children’s classic! I’d recommend it to adults as well as children from Year 6 (11yrs) upwards.
September 6, 2022
A reader said this book was "both savage and beautiful" and I agree. The author also said this is Call of the Wild meets Watership Down meets War and Peace — and "if it doesn’t frighten and excite you, and eventually make you cry, then I've failed."
He definitely did not fail. He's weaved a tale of tragedy and hope using, quite interestingly, both human and non-human POVs, and it all comes together in a beautiful, bittersweet way. The prose is easy to get through without sacrificing any of the emotional impact; I finished the whole thing in a day yet I was moved despite the speed of which I went through with it.
This book is also beautifully illustrated by Keith Robinson, and as a dog person I went "awww" on more than one occasion!
Now I'll have to check out more books about animals. Any recommendations? 💖
RECOMMENDED LISTENING: "Moonlight Sonata Epic Trailer Version" by Hidden Citizens
He definitely did not fail. He's weaved a tale of tragedy and hope using, quite interestingly, both human and non-human POVs, and it all comes together in a beautiful, bittersweet way. The prose is easy to get through without sacrificing any of the emotional impact; I finished the whole thing in a day yet I was moved despite the speed of which I went through with it.
This book is also beautifully illustrated by Keith Robinson, and as a dog person I went "awww" on more than one occasion!
Now I'll have to check out more books about animals. Any recommendations? 💖
RECOMMENDED LISTENING: "Moonlight Sonata Epic Trailer Version" by Hidden Citizens
January 21, 2024
Read it, everyone!
I’m going to be so careful not to spoil anything but I really am desperate to talk about this book! A boy in my class recommended it to me last week; I am so glad I took up his suggestion.
Dogs of the Deadlands is obviously partly based on real events. Anyone with even the vaguest knowledge of the Chernobyl disaster knows this book isn’t going to be an easy ride.
However, although inspired by reality, it also reads as some sort of twisted fairytale complete with heroes, villains and cottages in the woods.
The book opens as Reactor 4 explodes and Pripyat is evacuated. As it continues, the narrative mainly centres around the animals left in the region, some abandoned under order, some born wild. We are also offered parallel insights into the life of one girl forced to leave her dog behind and we watch her age & see the legacy of the disaster on her life.
But this book is mainly about the animals. And I think it’s true to say I’ve never felt so invested in non-human characters (outside of fantasy). There were moments in several chapters where I actually SOBBED- such was the connection established between reader and (mostly canine) characters.
A side effect of humans being banished from the area around Chernobyl is how nature was allowed to thrive. The formerly domesticated animals have a hard time surviving in the lharshness of the new natural order of things but there is also a savage beauty about the forest, a ‘tender savagery’, to steal some poetic words from the author.
Again, without spoiling, I enjoyed the shifts in the narrative focus and how the story eventually played out. This was, in many ways, a far more beautiful tale than I’d expected.
I’m going to be so careful not to spoil anything but I really am desperate to talk about this book! A boy in my class recommended it to me last week; I am so glad I took up his suggestion.
Dogs of the Deadlands is obviously partly based on real events. Anyone with even the vaguest knowledge of the Chernobyl disaster knows this book isn’t going to be an easy ride.
However, although inspired by reality, it also reads as some sort of twisted fairytale complete with heroes, villains and cottages in the woods.
The book opens as Reactor 4 explodes and Pripyat is evacuated. As it continues, the narrative mainly centres around the animals left in the region, some abandoned under order, some born wild. We are also offered parallel insights into the life of one girl forced to leave her dog behind and we watch her age & see the legacy of the disaster on her life.
But this book is mainly about the animals. And I think it’s true to say I’ve never felt so invested in non-human characters (outside of fantasy). There were moments in several chapters where I actually SOBBED- such was the connection established between reader and (mostly canine) characters.
A side effect of humans being banished from the area around Chernobyl is how nature was allowed to thrive. The formerly domesticated animals have a hard time surviving in the lharshness of the new natural order of things but there is also a savage beauty about the forest, a ‘tender savagery’, to steal some poetic words from the author.
Again, without spoiling, I enjoyed the shifts in the narrative focus and how the story eventually played out. This was, in many ways, a far more beautiful tale than I’d expected.
September 5, 2022
I loved it the way I loved Watership Down as a young girl. Joyous and heartbreaking in turns, I can already tell this is a story that's going to stay with me for a long, long time.
Read
September 18, 2024not a big fan of books where the main characters are mostly animals, read it for the kids bookclub.
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